Knoxville, TN: James White’s Fort

[James White’s Fort]

James White’s Fort is a historic landmark dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Knoxville and James White. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, this historic landmark allows visitors to travel back in time and explore how pioneers lived, specifically in Knoxville.

The history of James White’s Fort starts with the man himself, James White. Regarded as the Founder of Knoxville, White first visited what is known as Knoxville in the 1780s. Since White served in the Revolutionary War, he had a land grant of 1,000 acres. White decided to reside in present day Knoxville, where he built the first permanent structure of the town (his home). This two-story cabin was finished in 1786.

As a friend of the Cherokee Indians, White acted as a mediator between the Cherokee and white settlers when they were creating treaties. He even proved the peaceful relationship he hoped for the Cherokee and white settlers by trading with the Cherokee and opening his home to them. White’s home quickly became the hotspot for agriculture, as he had many domesticated animals and crops. This led to White eventually partitioning a section of his land in 1791. This partition established the current day town of Knoxville.

The name of Knoxville originated from Henry Knox, who was the Secretary of War under President George Washington. With the help of his son-in-law, Charles McClung, White helped organize the first available lots of land and building constructions in Knoxville.

White eventually moved from his original Fort to a home near the South Knoxville Bridge in 1793. From then until his death, White played an influential role in establishing the cemetery in Knoxville, the First Presbyterian Church, and Blount College (which is now the University of Tennessee). Although White passed away in 1821, his Fort was restored by the City Association of Women’s Clubs in 1970. This Fort serves as a historical landmark for Knoxville, as well as being the primary location for preserving and promoting White’s legacy.

In order to preserve the true historical significance of James White and James White’s Fort, there isn’t a lot of information about what lies within the Fort online. But, visitors can expect to explore the inside and outside of James White’s Fort. While exploring the Fort, visitors will truly feel as if they are back in the late 1700s, as the estate has been preserved as much as possible.

For more information about the attractions within James White’s Fort, check out the Fort’s website.

There are a variety of educational opportunities at James White’s Fort. These educational programs promote the education about the lifestyle of settlers within the late 1700s and early 1800s. One of the most popular educational programs at James White’s Fort is the Open Hearth Gourmet Cooking Workshop. This workshop teaches people how to make a historically accurate meal. During this eight hour workshop, participants will learn about every cooking aspect, from baking to broiling and frying. Participants will even learn how to make their own butter!

If you’re interested in participating in the Open Hearth Gourmet Cooking Workshop, you can join the next workshop on January 14, 2017 from 10 am to 5 pm.

James White’s Fort hosts a combination of public and private special events throughout the year. Many of the public special events James White’s Fort hosts are in honor of historical groups, dates, and celebrations. Two of the most common special events at James White’s Fort is the Cherokee Heritage Day and the HearthScares Ball.

Aside from James White’s Fort’s public events, the Fort’s naturalistic and historical landscape and vibe is the perfect location for private events. James White’s Fort has hosted various special events, such as weddings, photo shoots, business parties, and other gatherings. James White’s Fort even has a select number of staff that are specially trained to help you plan, coordinate, and host your special event. You can even see a portfolio of the various private special events James White’s Fort has hosted on their Special Events Gallery page.

After touring James White’s Fort, head over to the on-site gift shop where you can purchase a souvenir, such as a unique gift, pioneer item replica, or historical book.